Is mediation a good choice for Oklahoma sex discrimination?

Posted By
Mazaheri Law Firm

About a month ago, we discussed what might constitute a 'hostile working
environment' for Oklahoma employees who may be experiencing sexual
harassment or discrimination based upon their gender or appearance. We
have also previously touched on some of the basic ways to go about filing
employment discrimination claims, including contacting the federal Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission or the state agency responsible for
such claims. Once these administrative remedies have been taken, the employee
may have to resort to litigation. However, it is possible that the case
can be settled through a different method: mediation.

Mediation is a process in civil legal proceedings in which the two sides
meet with a trained neutral party to attempt to hammer out an agreement
that will settle the legal dispute. Some advantages to mediation are that
it is often less expensive and less time-consuming than litigation. In
cases involving sexual harassment and discrimination, it may also have
the advantage of avoiding having the victim recount potentially uncomfortable
and embarrassing incidents in open court.

As we pointed out last week, proving a hostile work environment in a court
proceeding may not be easy. There is both a subjective and objective component
to it, and it often will rely solely on the testimony of the witness.
Resolving such cases through mediation may avoid such complications. Our
firm's attorneys are experienced in both mediation and litigation,
and have helped past clients determine which may be the most appropriate
course of action.

Every case is different and whether mediation is an appropriate action
will depend on the specific circumstances of each claim. Anyone who feels
they have been sexually harassed at work, however, should be aware that
they have legal rights. Anyone wishing for more information on sexual
harassment or other employment discrimination is welcome to view our webpage
on the subject.